Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After passing the House Education Committee, the “Tennessee Religious Freedom Act” will now receive a full House vote today, March 30.
If you wish to express your opinion about the legislation to your Tennessee State Representative, you can find their contact information HERE.
The Act, HB1834, authorizes a local board of education meeting to open with a prayer led by a school board member “as long as the prayer does not require participation of any person in attendance at the meeting and no person is harassed or coerced to participate in the prayer.”
The text of the bill points to the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment, stating that the framers of the constitution “intended for citizens to have the right to freely exercise their religious beliefs” and that school board members are not excluded from exercising religious expression.
Several court cases are also cited that lay the framework for legislative bodies to engage in prayer, finding that it is not “impermissible coercion” for those wishing not to participate.
During the committee meeting, bill sponsor Rep. Rick Eldridge (R-Morristown-District 10) clarified that the prayer must be given by a member of the board, not an invited guest or audience member. He also reiterated that a board’s participation in the prayer is “100% permissible, it’s up to the school systems.”
There were no questions or comments from committee members, and the vote was a 17-1 with three Democrats joining Republicans in voting “Yes”. The lone “No” vote was from Democrat Gloria Johnson.
As the Senate unanimously passed their version of the bill, the House vote on Monday will be the last step before this bill can become law.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
